In this conversation, Glenn Kurtz discusses his book ‘Men at Work: The Empire State Building and the Untold Story of the Craftsman Who Built It,’ shedding light on the often-overlooked workers who constructed the iconic skyscraper. He emphasizes the lack of documentation about these laborers, the dangers they faced, and the diverse backgrounds they came from, primarily as immigrants. The discussion also highlights the role of photographer Lewis Hine in documenting these workers and the racial dynamics present in the workforce. Ultimately, Kurtz aims to give recognition to these individuals and their contributions to one of America’s most famous landmarks.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Empire State Building’s Builders
03:10 The Unsung Heroes: The Workers Behind the Construction
06:05 The Dangers Faced by Workers
09:03 The Diverse Workforce: Immigrants and Their Stories
11:46 The Challenge of Documenting Workers’ Lives
14:51 Lewis Hine: The Photographer of the Workers
17:59 The Changing Perception of Immigrant Labor
21:05 Recognition and Legacy of the Workers
24:09 Conclusion: The Importance of Remembering the Builders
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